Moms Running Clinic: Getting Back On Pace After Pregnancy

The miracle of life can wreak havoc on women's workouts. Experts say running styles can change dramatically after giving birth -- resulting in more injuries and less benefit.

BODY AFTER BIRTH: You may think for women the hardest part physically of having children is the actual birth. However, women can experience all sorts of physical changes and problems after childbirth.

After giving birth women may have swelling in the legs and feet, menstrual-like cramping, tender breasts even if you're not breastfeeding, and some women even develop thyroid problems in the first year. On top of all that, there is still a recovery period and women should ask their doctors before they start to have sex again or resume physical activity routines.

Not only does the body change and women have added weight from the pregnancy, hormones also change affecting women's emotions and sometimes making them feel depressed. (Source: www.womenshealth.gov)

TIPS FOR POST-BIRTH EXERCISE: Even though the changes to a woman's body after childbirth can make it more difficult to do certain things, they can help themselves get back into their normal exercise routine with some of these tips:

1. Exercising regularly during pregnancy can give women a 'head start' when they resume their normal exercise routine after giving birth, so try exercising while pregnant.

2. Walking is a good way to start exercising again without pushing the body too far and the baby can come along.

3. Be aware of your resources. Even though the mom running clinic is in Wisconsin, some local community centers and health clubs offer postpartum (after childbirth) exercise classes that can specifically help mother's get back to normal exercise habits. (Source: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)

MOM RUNNING CLINIC: The University of Wisconsin Health Sports Rehabilitation opened the Runners Clinic examine and treat running-related injuries or concerns. At the clinic physical therapists and physicians work together to evaluate and help patients; to address performance issues and running injuries the patient first receives history and running program review, a physical examination, video analysis of walking and running mechanics.

Afterwards a treatment plan is developed if treatment is necessary, which could include therapeutic exercises, manual interventions, and guidelines for a progressive return to prior running levels.

To specifically help moms returning to their running routine, the Runners Clinic is developing a two-pronged program in conjunction with the UW Health Spine Physical Therapy Clinic. So far the therapy seems to be successful in helping women get back into the swing of running without pain, after childbirth. (Source: www.uwhealth.org)